People drive to the summit, which is a truly sucky thing to do. There is ample evidence that ATVs drive through and over closed roads or anywhere else they can, ruining the fragile soil/vegetation and leaving long lasting scars. This is an outstandingly beautiful place. What is wrong with these people?

Drove the Tundra up to Belfort via Sweetwater ranch (4x4 only). Parked at dried pond and dayhiked the peaks. Saw no other hikers, just atvs and dirtbikes. Meh. But the rocks and terrain is out of this world, almost alien. Feels like mars or the moon.

Had a nice hike with Amy and the dogs up the west side. We were able to drive partway up the ridge above and east of Lobdell Lake, which resulted in a round-trip hike of around 7 miles. Did see a few atvs & motorcycles on the summit, who had come up from the south via Wheeler Peak. Seems like spring conditions make for a quieter experience, since the snow keeps some of the vehicles away. Amazing views for sure.

Really cool mountain and range. The summit area is very barren. Driving up this mountain I imagine is way more fun than hiking the road. Bluebird views, cold wind, and a little snow on the upper slopes.

After doing South Sister in Oregon on Sept. 14, ten days earlier, Jackie Neau & I did a quicky hike to the summit trail to South Sister & then on the return, I ran up to the top of Patterson. Jackie had already done the "other" mtns. the week earlier. thanx Jackie for a great day. warm, clear, beautiful. Freel Peak, Jobs Peak,Slide Mt., Leavitt Pk., White Mt.(Bishop),Matterhorn Pk., Tower Pk. were all totally visible !

Duane, Grant, and I got this one on our way south for our North Palisade climb. Duane drove his Explorer to well above Lobdell Lake at about 9800 feet, then we hiked the rest of the way. This peak has over 4000 feet of prominence (P4K), which was the motivation. Great views on a very clear day.

Car camped at Lobdell Lake(No road difficulties to Lobdell Lake with my 2wd pickup truck). Great crescent moonset and starfilled skies. Started at 3am. class 1 road to summit. Continued on to Wheeler peak on road that approached to within one-half mile of summit.